•A Prayer for When You Hear God Say ‘Be Still’•
By Anthony Valente
“And the Lord answered me: ‘Write the vision; make it plain on tablets, so he may run who reads it. For still the vision awaits its appointed time; it hastens to the end — it will not lie. If it seems slow, wait for it; it will surely come; it will not delay.’”
(Habakkuk 2:2-3)
It is culturally acceptable, even encouraged to go, go, go! We live in a hustle-centric culture, one to which I, like many of us, have fallen prey. I feel, at times, like I can’t allow myself to rest. It takes so much mental energy to just convince myself I am not a failure or lazy for taking time to relax. I find myself believing the lies of the world that if I am not producing, I am worthless.
However, there are pathways in my career and other passion projects I am striving towards. As I pursue these outlets, doors keep opening and closing. In these moments, I find myself at a complete loss. I become frustrated because I do not know what God is doing. I felt like this calling, this path was from him. So, why am I still in the same place as I started?
As I approach the Lord in prayer, my answer becomes clear. I can either ignore what he is trying to tell me and push back even harder, just to spiral and end up back in the same place, yet more weary and broken. Or I can fall to my knees, rest in the comfort of my Lord’s presence, and submit to his answer to “be still.” I do not see this as God saying, “No.” I trust in his promises and guidance. I know his timing will be far better than my own.
For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future”.
(Jeremiah 29:11)
He has made everything beautiful in its time. He has also set eternity in the human heart; yet no one can fathom what God has done from beginning to end.
(Ecclesiastes 3:11)
I know this will continue to happen throughout my entire life. But I also know as I get closer to my Savior and continually lean on him through prayer and Scripture reading, I find that God’s answers are not all black and white, yes or no. Every time I’m with him, he instills in me the importance of trusting him and his will. Although he allows me to tell him about my plans and cry out in frustration when they do not work out on my desired timeline, he will gently lead me back to a place of peace and contentment if I am willing to follow.
Let’s Pray.
Dear Lord,
Sometimes I do not understand what You are doing in my life. I often feel stuck, frustrated, and hopeless. I cry out in the same way David did — “I’ve been patient, obedient, and worthy of the pursuits that I know will glorify you.” I pray You will calm my heart and surround me with Your overwhelming peace. I pray I will turn to You sooner when doors close and when You tell me to be still. I pray for Your guidance and wisdom in all that I do. Thank You for Your love, friendship, and parenthood in our lives. Thank You for seeing into those doors, into those opportunities the things we could never see, and protecting us from something only You know would bring us harm.
I pray we will come into Your presence and know Your desires for us, which will ultimately transform the direction of our lives to glorify You and Your kingdom. Be with the broken hearts of those whose lives didn’t turn out the way they thought they would. I pray our ambitions will not cripple us, so we won’t believe the lies of the world that make us hustle and eventually burn out. I pray we find rest and peace in You. We love and trust You with all our hearts, our Father, and Prince of Peace.
In Jesus’ name,
AMEN
Wait for the Lord; be strong, and let your heart take courage; wait for the Lord!
(Psalm 27:14)
And he awoke and rebuked the wind and said to the sea, “Peace! Be still!” And the wind ceased, and there was a great calm.
(Mark 4:39)
But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, he will teach you all things and bring to your remembrance all that I have said to you.
(John 14:26)
For God alone, O my soul, wait in silence, for my hope is from him. He only is my rock and my salvation, my fortress; I shall not be shaken.
(Psalm 62:5-6)
“I know all the things you do, and I have opened a door for you that no one can close. You have little strength, yet you obeyed my word and did not deny me.
(Revelation 3:8)
Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and eat with him, and he with me.
(Revelation 3:20)
Know this, my beloved brothers: let every person be quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger.
(James 1:19)
Casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you.
(1 Peter 5:7)
Be still before the Lord and wait patiently for him; fret not yourself over the one who prospers in his way, over the man who carries out evil devices!
(Psalm 37:7)
Because of the LORD’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. I say to myself, “The LORD is my portion; therefore I will wait for him.” The LORD is good to those whose hope is in him, to the one who seeks him; it is good to wait quietly for the salvation of the LORD.
(Lamentations 3:22-26)
The Lord will fight for you, and you have only to be silent.”
(Exodus 14:14)
Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.
(Romans 12:2)
All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives. It corrects us when we are wrong and teaches us to do what is right. God uses it to prepare and equip his people to do every good work.
(2 Timothy 3:16-17)
Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.
(Proverbs 3:5-6)
Be still, and know that I am God! I will be honored by every nation. I will be honored throughout the world.”
(Psalm 46:10)
But when you pray, go away by yourself, shut the door behind you, and pray to your Father in private. Then your Father, who sees everything, will reward you.
(Matthew 6:6)
(pic verse)
O come, let us worship and bow down: Let us kneel before the LORD our maker.
(Psalm 95:6)
By Anthony Valente
“And the Lord answered me: ‘Write the vision; make it plain on tablets, so he may run who reads it. For still the vision awaits its appointed time; it hastens to the end — it will not lie. If it seems slow, wait for it; it will surely come; it will not delay.’”
(Habakkuk 2:2-3)
It is culturally acceptable, even encouraged to go, go, go! We live in a hustle-centric culture, one to which I, like many of us, have fallen prey. I feel, at times, like I can’t allow myself to rest. It takes so much mental energy to just convince myself I am not a failure or lazy for taking time to relax. I find myself believing the lies of the world that if I am not producing, I am worthless.
However, there are pathways in my career and other passion projects I am striving towards. As I pursue these outlets, doors keep opening and closing. In these moments, I find myself at a complete loss. I become frustrated because I do not know what God is doing. I felt like this calling, this path was from him. So, why am I still in the same place as I started?
As I approach the Lord in prayer, my answer becomes clear. I can either ignore what he is trying to tell me and push back even harder, just to spiral and end up back in the same place, yet more weary and broken. Or I can fall to my knees, rest in the comfort of my Lord’s presence, and submit to his answer to “be still.” I do not see this as God saying, “No.” I trust in his promises and guidance. I know his timing will be far better than my own.
For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future”.
(Jeremiah 29:11)
He has made everything beautiful in its time. He has also set eternity in the human heart; yet no one can fathom what God has done from beginning to end.
(Ecclesiastes 3:11)
I know this will continue to happen throughout my entire life. But I also know as I get closer to my Savior and continually lean on him through prayer and Scripture reading, I find that God’s answers are not all black and white, yes or no. Every time I’m with him, he instills in me the importance of trusting him and his will. Although he allows me to tell him about my plans and cry out in frustration when they do not work out on my desired timeline, he will gently lead me back to a place of peace and contentment if I am willing to follow.
Let’s Pray.
Dear Lord,
Sometimes I do not understand what You are doing in my life. I often feel stuck, frustrated, and hopeless. I cry out in the same way David did — “I’ve been patient, obedient, and worthy of the pursuits that I know will glorify you.” I pray You will calm my heart and surround me with Your overwhelming peace. I pray I will turn to You sooner when doors close and when You tell me to be still. I pray for Your guidance and wisdom in all that I do. Thank You for Your love, friendship, and parenthood in our lives. Thank You for seeing into those doors, into those opportunities the things we could never see, and protecting us from something only You know would bring us harm.
I pray we will come into Your presence and know Your desires for us, which will ultimately transform the direction of our lives to glorify You and Your kingdom. Be with the broken hearts of those whose lives didn’t turn out the way they thought they would. I pray our ambitions will not cripple us, so we won’t believe the lies of the world that make us hustle and eventually burn out. I pray we find rest and peace in You. We love and trust You with all our hearts, our Father, and Prince of Peace.
In Jesus’ name,
AMEN
Wait for the Lord; be strong, and let your heart take courage; wait for the Lord!
(Psalm 27:14)
And he awoke and rebuked the wind and said to the sea, “Peace! Be still!” And the wind ceased, and there was a great calm.
(Mark 4:39)
But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, he will teach you all things and bring to your remembrance all that I have said to you.
(John 14:26)
For God alone, O my soul, wait in silence, for my hope is from him. He only is my rock and my salvation, my fortress; I shall not be shaken.
(Psalm 62:5-6)
“I know all the things you do, and I have opened a door for you that no one can close. You have little strength, yet you obeyed my word and did not deny me.
(Revelation 3:8)
Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and eat with him, and he with me.
(Revelation 3:20)
Know this, my beloved brothers: let every person be quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger.
(James 1:19)
Casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you.
(1 Peter 5:7)
Be still before the Lord and wait patiently for him; fret not yourself over the one who prospers in his way, over the man who carries out evil devices!
(Psalm 37:7)
Because of the LORD’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. I say to myself, “The LORD is my portion; therefore I will wait for him.” The LORD is good to those whose hope is in him, to the one who seeks him; it is good to wait quietly for the salvation of the LORD.
(Lamentations 3:22-26)
The Lord will fight for you, and you have only to be silent.”
(Exodus 14:14)
Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.
(Romans 12:2)
All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives. It corrects us when we are wrong and teaches us to do what is right. God uses it to prepare and equip his people to do every good work.
(2 Timothy 3:16-17)
Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.
(Proverbs 3:5-6)
Be still, and know that I am God! I will be honored by every nation. I will be honored throughout the world.”
(Psalm 46:10)
But when you pray, go away by yourself, shut the door behind you, and pray to your Father in private. Then your Father, who sees everything, will reward you.
(Matthew 6:6)
(pic verse)
O come, let us worship and bow down: Let us kneel before the LORD our maker.
(Psalm 95:6)
•A Prayer for When You Hear God Say ‘Be Still’•
By Anthony Valente
👉 “And the Lord answered me: ‘Write the vision; make it plain on tablets, so he may run who reads it. For still the vision awaits its appointed time; it hastens to the end — it will not lie. If it seems slow, wait for it; it will surely come; it will not delay.’”
(Habakkuk 2:2-3)
It is culturally acceptable, even encouraged to go, go, go! We live in a hustle-centric culture, one to which I, like many of us, have fallen prey. I feel, at times, like I can’t allow myself to rest. It takes so much mental energy to just convince myself I am not a failure or lazy for taking time to relax. I find myself believing the lies of the world that if I am not producing, I am worthless.
However, there are pathways in my career and other passion projects I am striving towards. As I pursue these outlets, doors keep opening and closing. In these moments, I find myself at a complete loss. I become frustrated because I do not know what God is doing. I felt like this calling, this path was from him. So, why am I still in the same place as I started?
As I approach the Lord in prayer, my answer becomes clear. I can either ignore what he is trying to tell me and push back even harder, just to spiral and end up back in the same place, yet more weary and broken. Or I can fall to my knees, rest in the comfort of my Lord’s presence, and submit to his answer to “be still.” I do not see this as God saying, “No.” I trust in his promises and guidance. I know his timing will be far better than my own.
For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future”.
(Jeremiah 29:11)
He has made everything beautiful in its time. He has also set eternity in the human heart; yet no one can fathom what God has done from beginning to end.
(Ecclesiastes 3:11)
I know this will continue to happen throughout my entire life. But I also know as I get closer to my Savior and continually lean on him through prayer and Scripture reading, I find that God’s answers are not all black and white, yes or no. Every time I’m with him, he instills in me the importance of trusting him and his will. Although he allows me to tell him about my plans and cry out in frustration when they do not work out on my desired timeline, he will gently lead me back to a place of peace and contentment if I am willing to follow.
Let’s Pray.
🙏 Dear Lord,
Sometimes I do not understand what You are doing in my life. I often feel stuck, frustrated, and hopeless. I cry out in the same way David did — “I’ve been patient, obedient, and worthy of the pursuits that I know will glorify you.” I pray You will calm my heart and surround me with Your overwhelming peace. I pray I will turn to You sooner when doors close and when You tell me to be still. I pray for Your guidance and wisdom in all that I do. Thank You for Your love, friendship, and parenthood in our lives. Thank You for seeing into those doors, into those opportunities the things we could never see, and protecting us from something only You know would bring us harm.
I pray we will come into Your presence and know Your desires for us, which will ultimately transform the direction of our lives to glorify You and Your kingdom. Be with the broken hearts of those whose lives didn’t turn out the way they thought they would. I pray our ambitions will not cripple us, so we won’t believe the lies of the world that make us hustle and eventually burn out. I pray we find rest and peace in You. We love and trust You with all our hearts, our Father, and Prince of Peace.
In Jesus’ name,
AMEN 🙏
Wait for the Lord; be strong, and let your heart take courage; wait for the Lord!
(Psalm 27:14)
And he awoke and rebuked the wind and said to the sea, “Peace! Be still!” And the wind ceased, and there was a great calm.
(Mark 4:39)
But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, he will teach you all things and bring to your remembrance all that I have said to you.
(John 14:26)
For God alone, O my soul, wait in silence, for my hope is from him. He only is my rock and my salvation, my fortress; I shall not be shaken.
(Psalm 62:5-6)
“I know all the things you do, and I have opened a door for you that no one can close. You have little strength, yet you obeyed my word and did not deny me.
(Revelation 3:8)
Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and eat with him, and he with me.
(Revelation 3:20)
Know this, my beloved brothers: let every person be quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger.
(James 1:19)
Casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you.
(1 Peter 5:7)
Be still before the Lord and wait patiently for him; fret not yourself over the one who prospers in his way, over the man who carries out evil devices!
(Psalm 37:7)
Because of the LORD’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. I say to myself, “The LORD is my portion; therefore I will wait for him.” The LORD is good to those whose hope is in him, to the one who seeks him; it is good to wait quietly for the salvation of the LORD.
(Lamentations 3:22-26)
The Lord will fight for you, and you have only to be silent.”
(Exodus 14:14)
Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.
(Romans 12:2)
All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives. It corrects us when we are wrong and teaches us to do what is right. God uses it to prepare and equip his people to do every good work.
(2 Timothy 3:16-17)
Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.
(Proverbs 3:5-6)
Be still, and know that I am God! I will be honored by every nation. I will be honored throughout the world.”
(Psalm 46:10)
But when you pray, go away by yourself, shut the door behind you, and pray to your Father in private. Then your Father, who sees everything, will reward you.
(Matthew 6:6)
(pic verse)
O come, let us worship and bow down: Let us kneel before the LORD our maker.
(Psalm 95:6)
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